When to Green Clean

When might you consider cleaning your windows with 'green' products?

• If a family member has a sensitivity to certain smells or cleaners.
• If your clients expect you to use natural and environmentally friendly cleaners.
• If you want to minimize the use of chemicals around you.
• If your concern for the environment compels you to choose 'green' whenever possible.

Post a comment if you want to add to the list.

"It's not easy being green"

Apologies to Kermit, but it is pretty easy to be green (when cleaning windows). We do this by using natural, environmentally friendly cleaners on your windows to beautify your world (translation: clean and clear windows make it easy to view nature). Using these cleaners helps you protect the environment without sacrificing a view of the great outdoors. Today Hardwick Window Cleaning cleaned the windows at Urban Sanctuary Spa in Athens, Georgia.

We used clean water and two natural cleaners, just ask us in person and we'll tell you what they are, to create a cleaning mixture that removed dirt and grime from the windows while remaining eco-friendly.

When you have your next appointment at Urban Sanctuary take a good look at the windows.

My windows are "different"

I get occasional questions about cleaning non-standard windows like:
- Historic glass (wavy and brittle).
- Low E windows (are filled with Argon or Krypton gas and have a coating which can be damaged by normal window cleaning solutions).
- Windows with a film tint to block the sun.
- Stained Glass (ok, I can't recall if I have been asked this one or if I bring this one up, but I have cleaned historic stained glass)

I welcome your questions about any "different" windows you have. I will not claim to know the answers to every window question, but I have several resources locally that have helped me with my questions in the past.

"Cleanin' in the Rain"

Can you clean windows in the rain?

Logic may say no but in reality it is sometimes possible. I'll explain. We have established that rain is not the major culprit in making windows dirty (see previous post Rain and spots on your windows). The rule of thumb we find safe to use is that the inside of a window can be cleaned rain or shine; and if not being splashed by rain the outside of a window can also be cleaned - more on that below.

Two examples of windows that can be cleaned even while it is raining are Depalmas on the Eastside or Transmetropolitan in downtown Athens, Georgia. Because the windows on both of these businesses are set back under a cover we can clean them even when it is raining.

Transmetropolitan downtown Athens, Georgia. Notice that the windows are covered.

The windows at DePalmas on Athens' Eastside are behind this covered outdoor seating area.

Ok, back to the issue of cleaning the outside of a window that is not covered even while it is raining.

Here it gets a bit tricky. In order to avoid leaving streaks, the windows need to be completely dry after cleaning. One of the cleaning agents we typically use aids in drying the window - so no problem. The tricky part is when the rain is actually hitting the window. Then it is time to get in out of the rain and clean the outside of those windows a little later.

Holiday Cleaning

Hardwick Window Cleaning is already receiving requests to schedule cleanings before the holidays. We just booked a home in a golf community for cleanings twice a year. We will clean before visiting family arrives prior to Thanksgiving and again prior to Memorial Day.

A country club also just booked so they can be clean during the holidays.

Rain and spots on your windows

Does rain leave spots on your windows?

Many people believe that rain leaves streaks and spots on their windows, but that is not exactly the case. Rain on a dirty window collects the dust and muck already on the window and consequently leaves spots. However, rain on a clean window has less grime and dust to collect, so the spots are minimal or in some cases nonexistant.

If rain leaves major spots on your windows it may be time to call a professional window cleaner.